Aiden's lips spread to a slow smile that makes me want to throw myself into his chest and never let go. But before he can speak, the growing crowd surges, a mass of dark shapes bobbing and weaving to the music, highlighted in orange by the flames of the bonfire on the sand. There's even more people tonight than last time I was here. Even outside the seething mass around the fire there's dozens of people wandering up and down the beach, or sprawled over the sand like driftwood. Noisy, mobile driftwood.
Aiden's attention was caught by the noise too. He turned to stare at the crowd, frowning. The flames of the distant fire reflect in his eyes and make it look like his gaze is flame, licking at his hair. Looking at that that somber expression on his face makes me realize how much he smiles. And how much I like it. Without that boyish grin he looks five years older. And a lot more intimidating. I stifle a shiver.
